Special mid-week deal at Fitzpatrick Castle
From €199 guests can enjoy an overnight stay for two people with dinner that evening along with full Irish breakfast the next morning. Guests then get a second night stay, B&B, absolutely free!
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Dalkey and enjoys views over Dublin Bay. The hotel has 113 bedrooms and suites, two award winning restaurants and a 20m swimming pool.
More information and bookings on (01) 2305 400 or email reservations@fitzpatricks.com.
EV charging network expansion
A €4.2m cross-border project launched yesterday will expand the fast-charger network for electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne.
The EU-funded project is a Europe-wide test-bed for EV charging infrastructure, and involves both the ESB and the Department for Regional Development Northern Ireland (DRD NI).
The investment involves the roll out of 46 new fast (rapid) charge-points across Ireland and the development of supporting IT systems.
The EU-funded project is a Europe-wide test-bed for EV charging infrastructure, and involves both the ESB and the Department for Regional Development Northern Ireland (DRD NI).
The investment involves the roll out of 46 new fast (rapid) charge-points across Ireland and the development of supporting IT systems.
Grand C4 Picasso detailed
The new car is lighter than its predecessor, and has a wheelbase 55mm longer than the 5-seat version, on a completely new platform.
The interior features include a digital instrumentation and controls system, incorporating a 7" touchscreen and a 12" configurable HD screen.
Citroen claims the most spacious in class accommodation in the centre and rear seats.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Rate your own driving to lower insurance
The TopDriver app analyses how well you drive and it then compares your driving to that of a panel of advanced drivers.
The app rates your across four dimensions: Pace, Calmness, Smoothness and Anticipation.
It's easy to use as once downloaded and initial registration has taken place, you simply press the start button as you set out on each car journey and the stop button when you've arrived at your destination.
If they choose, drivers can go on to save up to 15 percent off the cost of No Nonsense Smart Driver insurance at the point of purchase. You then temporarily self-install a small plug-in telematics device in the car which confirms your driving behaviour. Safe drivers will get a further 15 percent cash back. It's expected that one in three drivers will get the full 30 percent saving and as many as one in two will benefit from some saving on their current insurance cost. See www.nononsense.ie for further information.
New Kangoo van in coming weeks
Three wheelbase lengths with three versions of the 1.5 dCi diesel engine are offered (75, 90 and 110hp). The SWB version is priced from €15,190-€16,590 while the LWB, just offered in 90bhp and 100bhp is from €17,090-€17,590.
Two of the engines return the lowest fuel consumption in their segment. A gear shift indicator and an Eco mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10 percent are standard.
New Kangoo comes with a five year unlimited mileage warranty and through Renault Finance is available from €45 per week.
New Mazda3 revealed
Going on sale in Ireland in January next, the car is lower and wider than the current car, and has a longer wheelbase.
Connectivity is the central theme for the interior, with the introduction of a head’s up display and a new mobile connectivity concept.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
New Managing Director appointment at Peugeot
Des will replace George Harbourne as Managing Director, when George retires this August.
Des joined Gowan Distributors in 2008 as Commercial Manager and brings a wealth of expertise and experience in all aspects of the motor industry to his new role.
Prior to joining Gowan Distributors, Des had a well-established career in the motor industry working with Hyundai Cars Ireland, as well as spending some time working in Motor Retail.
Des has a motto in life: "I am a firm believer that you make your own luck in life and the harder you work, the luckier you get!"
New Audi A3 saloon here in September
Two petrol engines and one diesel will be available at launch in September, a 1.4 outputting 125hp and 140hp; and a 2.0 150hp diesel.
Prices start at €29,950 for the 1.4 TFSI 125bhp petrol variant.
The most popular is expected to be the 1.6TDI which will have the lowest C02 emissions of any petrol or diesel saloon on sale here, at sub-100g/km (Tax Band A2 of €180 per annum). This version will be available to order from launch for January 2014 delivery.
At 425 litres, the saloon will have 45 litres more boot space than the A3 Sportback but will have the same level of cabin space.
Audi expect the A3 saloon to have a significant impact in the Irish market in 2014 with every second A3 customers opting for the saloon.
VW Passat sets Guinness World Record
The diesel Passat, produced at the Volkswagen Chattanooga (Tennessee) plant, covered the distance of 8,122 miles or 13,071 kilometers with record low fuel consumption and within 16 days.
The record drive was witnessed by officials of the Guinness World Record Organisation.
The driver team, blogger Wayne Gerdes and engineer Bob Winger (pictured above), achieved a fuel consumption of only 3.02 litres per 100 kilometers, which means a range of 78 miles per gallon. They smashed the previous world record of 67.9mpg by averaging 77.99mpg. The record drive didn't take in Alaska and Hawaii.
Honda CR-V awarded maximum 5-stars
The rating system considers occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids.
A 2WD 1.6 diesel CR-V outputting 120hp with manual transmission and 300Nm of torque, will go on sale this Autumn. C02 emissions will be 119g/km.
All Honda models tested by Euro NCAP have achieved this top score - Accord, Insight, Jazz, CR-Z, Civic and now the new CR-V.
A Vienna cycle tour
There's a wonderful sense of anarchy about cycling around a city, writes Brian Byrne. Especially one like Vienna, in a group with a guide.Actually, the city makes it relatively easy with lots of cycle lanes and priorities at lights and intersections. But you still have to be seriously alert, because there's a busy mix of pedallers and pedestrians, not to mind the motor traffic.
Cycling is my favourite way of getting to know a city in a hurry. I used Vienna Explorer, based on Franz Josef Kai, close to the S-Bahn station of Schwedenplatz. Booked online, cost €24 (I got €2 off as a Senior). Various cycle tours offered include a Wine Tour through the villages in the lower Alps outside the city. Another time.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
iPad is big fuel saver on airline
American Airlines expects to save $1.2m worth of fuel a year now that
it has ditched its paper flight manuals in favour of iPads, writes Brian Byrne.
The airline has issued 8,000 iPads to its flight crews, each one replacing more than 3,000 pages of information.
The Electronic Flight Bag Program means that the 1.35lbs iPad takes the place of 35lbs of manuals, charts and reference materials previously carried in each airplane.
The airline has issued 8,000 iPads to its flight crews, each one replacing more than 3,000 pages of information.
The Electronic Flight Bag Program means that the 1.35lbs iPad takes the place of 35lbs of manuals, charts and reference materials previously carried in each airplane.
How to change a wheel
It's holiday time and families may be taking longer journeys, further away from home, writes Trish Whelan.
How well do you know how to change a wheel on your car if you get a
puncture on the family trip? Well, in this video, Paul O'Flynn of
Volkswagen Group Ireland will talk you through the process.
Replace your damaged Ford Blue Oval ... for free!
Available from participating Ford Dealerships, the replacement badge offer is open to anyone with a Ford vehicle that is 10 years old or younger.
First introduced on the 1928 Model A car, the Ford Blue Oval was devised by Ford's first Chief Engineer and Designer, Childe Harold Wills.
Increase in AA call-outs as cars deteriorate
An AA membership poll of over 20,300 drivers show that half those
polled believe the condition of our roads is worse now than last year.
The condition of cars on the roads appears to have deteriorated most in Co Cavan where 56 percent said that cars were worse off this year. This was closely followed by participants in Kildare.
The recession has had a detrimental effect on car sales with motorists holding onto their cars for as long as they can as buying a new one is a luxury they can't afford.
The AA attend about 140,000 breakdowns every year, and say there has been a 5 percent increase in call-outs in the first five months of this year compared to last year. People aren't getting their cars serviced as often as they should, and older cars need a lot more looking after. Without a regular service, they are likely to breakdown, the AA say.
Parts of the car that need to be checked regularly include tyres, brake pads, clutches and fuel filters as these have seen the most increases in AA call-outs. Around 80 percent of breakdowns are fixed at the side of the road.
The condition of cars on the roads appears to have deteriorated most in Co Cavan where 56 percent said that cars were worse off this year. This was closely followed by participants in Kildare.
The recession has had a detrimental effect on car sales with motorists holding onto their cars for as long as they can as buying a new one is a luxury they can't afford.
The AA attend about 140,000 breakdowns every year, and say there has been a 5 percent increase in call-outs in the first five months of this year compared to last year. People aren't getting their cars serviced as often as they should, and older cars need a lot more looking after. Without a regular service, they are likely to breakdown, the AA say.
Parts of the car that need to be checked regularly include tyres, brake pads, clutches and fuel filters as these have seen the most increases in AA call-outs. Around 80 percent of breakdowns are fixed at the side of the road.
Seat's 0% finance offer
SEAT Ireland will introduce a 0% finance offer from 1 July for a
limited period across its range of passenger cars including the new Leon
Sports Coupé.
Customers will also be able to avail of a new three year servicing offer for €199 - a saving of €400.
These new offers coincide with the introduction of the 132 reg period.
Customers will also be able to avail of a new three year servicing offer for €199 - a saving of €400.
These new offers coincide with the introduction of the 132 reg period.
FIA WTCC Route to Porto, Portugal
This is the fourth visit the championship pays to this racetrack that winds up along the streets of the Portuguese city. The WTCC Race of Portugal returns to Porto every two years since 2007. This year, up to 25 cars will be in contention.
Local hero will be Tiago Monteiro who actually lives in Porto. He'll be driving a Honda Civic car.
The Porto event marks the start of the second half of the 2013 WTCC season. The previous race meetings have included Italy, Morocco, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Russia. After Porto, the WTCC will be heading for its five overseas events: Argentina, USA, Japan, China and Macau.
The Drivers' Championship looks comfortably controlled by Yvan Muller. At the wheel of his RML Chevrolet Cruze, the Frenchman has collected nearly twice the points of his closest chasers, and is heading for a fourth world title.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Fast Jag for Terenure vintage show
It's the 22nd running of the show, which is held in the beautiful grounds of Terenure College, Dublin on Sunday 7 July.
The event is organised by the Irish Jaguar & Daimler Club
Proceeds from the Show support are going to both the Laura Lynn-Irelands Childrens Hospice and The National Maternity Hospital Foundation.
Mazda enhances CX-5 line up
The all-wheel drive CX-5 Sport grade is now available priced from €35,595. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, parking sensors and a 5.9" touch screen.
The AWD system distributes up to 50 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels when you need it most on poor road conditions.
The CX-5 has been awarded the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety award and is the first non-premium SUV in its class to offer Smart City Brake Support that helps prevent low speed frontal collisions, as standard.
The flagship Sport SE model is now offered with a 6-speed automatic gearbox matched to the 2.2 diesel engine. Priced at €40,595, Mazda's flagship SUV comes with a very large list of standard features including leather seats, rear reversing camera and 19-inch alloys.
For the new July reg plate, Mazda is providing a finance deposit contribution of €750 with monthly payments from €267.
Peugeot announces 132 July offers
The offer will run in addition to the existing Five Year's Peace of Mind Motoring offer plus Peugeot is adding one year's free road tax and a €300 fuel voucher across its full passenger car range to include the 5008 and RCZ for registrations up to the 31 July. The offer has been introduced ahead of the new 132-registration plate this july.
For a limited period only, a new Peugeot 107 will cost from €149 per month, the new 208 will cost €199 per month, a 308 from €229, a 3008 from €279 and a 508 from €299 per month. Terms and conditions apply.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Revised Citroen C3 arrives in Ireland
It is available in three grades, with prices starting at €16,045.
Engines are 68/82/95hp petrols and 70hp diesel, with manual and automatic options.
Bodrum Peninsula - last minute offers
From the hidden gem that is the town of Bitez, to the bustling and lively resort of Gumbet, the Bodrum Peninsula has it all for people of all ages.
The packages include 7 nights on a B&B basis at the Sami Beach Hotel; Kaseria Hotel, or Baba Beach Hotel.
The price includes return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation as stated, return airport transfers and charges. Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Travel this Sunday 23rd June 2013.
Road Test: E-Class 300D Hybrid
The E-Class has distinct rivals in the 5 Series BMW and the Audi A6, writes Brian Byrne, but keeps a little apart from them by maintaining a luxury rather than a sporting market position.It's one that holds its aspiration ethos too, with used ones very much sought after by a variety of second owners from taxi drivers to middle management to families.
The current one is technically the fourth generation of what most people view as the 'real' E-Class. Although it has got sleeker over the decades, it has retained elemental cues, like the four headlamps setup. It was first launched in 2009, and was recently refreshed with a more precocious front end treatment.
Apple Siri now on Opel Adam
Siri, which 'converses' with iPhone users when they want to search for something on the internet, is now part of the IntelliLink facility on the Adam.
In effect, the Adam will talk back to the driver with responses to spoken queries.
IntelliLink is available on all Adam cars at a cost of €350. It was incorporated in all the launch vehicles here from earlier this year. Siri will be available as a free update on the vehicles of existing owners from next month.
132: More spec, low finance rate from VW
New arrivals are the high-performance versions of the Golf, the petrol-powered GTI and the diesel-powered GTD.
The 220bhp GTI comes with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and is priced from €33,820. This version has dropped a few tax bands and the manual is now in tax band B2 of €280 per annum.
The GTD 184bhp Golf emits 109g/km for the manual and is in tax band A3 of €190 a year. It comes with a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission. Prices start at €35,740.
The up!, Polo, Beetle, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and CC all get improved levels of specification from 1st July and the 1.32% APR rate. Customers can also choose the option of a Personal Contract Plan.
Skoda celebrates 20 years in Ireland
The Czech car maker is one of the oldest car makers in the world.
Skoda dealers will be offering 'unprecedented' trade-in allowances and 3.9 percent APR finance rates for customers throughout June and into July.
The brand is renowned for the quality, affordability and reliability of its cars. During the last 20 years, Skoda Ireland's market share has doubled from 3.0 percent in 2008 to 6.9 percent year to date, placing the car maker in 6th position on the sales leader board. Their aim is to become a top three car brand in Ireland.
Skoda will introduce more models to the range in the next five years including two new SUVs by 2018.
Ray Leddy, Head of Product & Marketing at Skoda, is pictured above with a 1993 Favorit and the all-new Octavia that arrived in dealers this week.
Volvo to show new self-parking car
Volvo will be showcasing a truly 'self-parking' car next week, writes Brian Byrne.
The vehicle can be left at the entrance to a car park and will then go and find a vacant space and park itself.
The car park infrastructure must be equipped 'Vehicle 2' technology, which has sensors in the surface that interact with others in the car.
The car will be able to negotiate around pedestrians, obstacles, and vehicles not equipped with the technology using the same parking area.
When the owner comes back, he or she can use their smartphone to tell the car to come back to the entrance.
The vehicle can be left at the entrance to a car park and will then go and find a vacant space and park itself.
The car park infrastructure must be equipped 'Vehicle 2' technology, which has sensors in the surface that interact with others in the car.
The car will be able to negotiate around pedestrians, obstacles, and vehicles not equipped with the technology using the same parking area.
When the owner comes back, he or she can use their smartphone to tell the car to come back to the entrance.
Ford tests hazard, traffic warning system
Ford
has shown off technology that can warn following cars of a traffic jam
or an incident ahead of them, even if they are outside of visible range
of the situation, writes Brian Byrne.It's part of the growing emphasis on car-to-car communications, and is under development at the company's European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany.
The Obstacle Warning system was trialled in Frankfurt using Ford S-MAX vehicles and lights up a dashboard warning setup on following cars in the event of potential
